You raise an interesting point, fheski. There is no age restriction for Division II basketball. Should there be? You hear stories a little more extreme every once in a while - 47-year-old hockey player, 61-year-old kicker - but it's rare.

Maybe, SpartanFanTom.
Wonder what happens to the No. 8 if Grossman is among the last preseason cuts. Would Cousins want the number then?
The Redskins might keep Grossman as the No. 2 just because he's a veteran, and have Cousins at No. 3. Depends on how Cousins plays.
Cousins, by the way, got John Beck's old No. 12.

It was a nice story to tell. And you're right Independent Joe. Discipline was everything. He also was prodded by his son, and I think that's what a lot of runners-in-waiting need - coaxing and encouragement.

You two both make good points about Cousins' situation. The debate here wasn't him vs. Griffin, but whether development of his mind through biofeedback and breathing techniques will give him an edge in the NFL. He told me that in high school he worked harder than anyone in the weight room to become a starter in college, and now plans to use his brain to become a standout decision-maker in the NFL. So, how much cool and calm can translate into success for a young quarterback in his situation?

Without question, the surprise pick of the draft, and a most unfortunate one if you’re Kirk Cousins. But I sense he does not see his mental training as a way to compete against Griffin as it is preparation to compete long-term in the NFL.
The Redskins have to go with Griffin based on his place in the draft and the financial investment they’ll make. Cousins will learn, try and impress when he can and hope to follow the path of someone like Matt Hasselbeck (6th rounder of the Pack back in 98), who has made a nice NFL career for himself.

Coolrunnins11:
At 6-3, Hartmann is an anomaly as a world-class runner. Interestingly, others I talked to on this story thought how superior his conditioning was because of his unusual height and weight. But outside the elite world, runners come in all shapes and sizes!

Shoes untied, it could continue, too. The high school track teams look promising this season, and the cross country teams fared well at state in the fall with young teams - girls were fifth (two sophomores and a freshman among the scorers) and the boys were seventh (three juniors scored).

teachboy:
The amount of callups was extreme, in part because the Wings are getting older. What direction the parent club takes - continue a course to develop youth or plug with free agents - will impact Grand Rapids greatly. Interestingly, when asked, Griffins players said the season was unsatisfactory. Asked another question, they all thought they had grown and developed as players.

Yes, part of the goals-against problem is the goaltending. Another is the Griffins were manhandled around the net too often. Outside of Brendan Smith (who should be in Detroit next season anyway), there aren't young guys who are both over 6 foot and 200 pounds. Almquist is 5-11, 174; Pyett at 5-10, 195 and Ehrhardt at 5-11, 204. Sproul is 6-3, but 185. His frame, like Smith's (6-2, 198) can easily add 10 pounds. I think they need to be more physical.

Well, it is true the Griffins have had problems at home in the second period. I will talk with the coach at the end of the season, and will ask him about conditioning and game management. Appreciate the comment.

When I first heard from them, their goal in doing this story was to serve as an inspiration to mothers that, despite the frequent chaos of child raising, it is possible to be fit and enjoy running. If you were inspired, let them know!